Pez Candy Dispenser Collecting

Pez is famous worldwide for its candy and character dispensers. Pez dispensers are distinguishable, and therefore easy to collect.

Pez candy has been an important part of American culture for more than 50 years. With characters that are instantly recognizable, it is no surprise that Pez dispensers have become popular collector's items. Over the years, the collecting of Pez dispensers has become a popular pastime for many consumers, children and adults alike.

In 1927, Edward Haas first created Pez in Vienna, Austria. Originally a breath mint that could be carried in a pocket, the name Pez was derived from Pfefferminz, which is the German word for peppermint. In the 1950's, the Pez phenomenon spread to the United States. Character heads were added to the original dispensers in order to market them for children. Among the first dispensers created were Santa Claus and the Full Body Robot. The first licensed character dispensers were Popeye, Mickey Mouse, and Bozo the Clown.

It is estimated that over 450 different types of Pez dispensers are circulated throughout the world. Pez can be purchased at a variety of locations, including grocery, convenience, and candy stores. For those seeking to start a collection of contemporary Pez dispensers, the candy can easily be found and purchased for $1. At any given time, around 150 dispensers are available to the public, which makes it easy to start a new collection.

Vintage Pez dispensers can be found in a variety of places. One possible location is a yard sale. Even though it is a difficult task, finding dispensers at yard sales is beneficial, because people are usually willing to part with them for a lower price. Some more places that older Pez dispensers might be found are flea markets, antique stores, and online auctions.

When collecting vintage Pez dispensers, it is important for the consumer to know enough about the item to make good buying decisions. Dispensers range in value with the most valuable being over $3,000. For this reason, it is beneficial for consumers to recognize the market value of a dispenser and to always try to buy dispensers at a price that is below the market value.

In the search for older dispensers, buyers should pay close attention to the physical characteristics of the dispenser that they are buying. Feet were not added to Pez dispensers until 1987. Whether the dispenser has feet or not is a good indicator of age, but buyers should not strictly rely on it. Some dispensers were created without feet, even after 1987. Furthermore, consumers should be aware that sellers might remove the feet merely to increase the market value of the dispenser.

In valuing Pez dispensers, consumers can largely rely on the patent number that is located on the dispenser's stem. After knowing the patent number, a collector can use Pez collector books to help estimate the value of a particular dispenser. Also, certain Pez price guides will give an indication of the type of characteristics that will increase the value of a dispenser. Variations in color, whether the dispenser has feet or not, and the type of head that a dispenser may have can impact the value of the item. Price guides are available in both book and online formats.

Popular and easy to find, Pez is a recognizable part of American culture. Small, lightweight and easily discernable, Pez dispensers make ideal collector's items.